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Never Give Up on Your Dream (You’re Closer Than You Realize)

Posted on June 27th, 2014 by Kimanzi

Hey all! I’m excited to have my friend Dave Arnold writing for us today. Dave is a husband, father, writer, speaker, coach, and advocate for the displaced. You can connect with him on Twitter or Facebook.

I wanted to bring Dave on because he is in a unique position and has an amazing story. I think we all can relate with Dave’s efforts to build his business. When you’re done reading the post head over to Dave’s site and check out what he has going on. I’m a huge fan of his and love how he’s helping people. Take it away Dave!

Two months ago I received a letter in the mail. It was one of those letters that you read and think, Gulp. Now what am I going to do?

What did the letter say? I knew you’d ask.

The letter was from the district superintendent – i.e. the main boss – of the church-based organization I work for, and indicated that unfortunately funds have dried up and therefore they can no longer afford to pay me a salary or health benefits.

To their credit, this action is not immediate; it will happen down the road. Nevertheless it will happen.

The gulp came because I have two small children – one who was just born this past March – and we will lose our health benefits.

All that to say, however, I wasn’t scared or even that disappointed.

Why is that?

I’ll get to that in a minute.

Sometimes a closed-door and bad news is the exact thing we need to help us walk through a better door which leads to good news.

You see, there are many factors and forces out there attempting to knock you off of the path of your dream. We have our own fears and what-ifs to deal with, other people’s opinions and plans for us… you name it.

Truthfully, I’ve given up on my dream more than once and have used all the excuses:

I started too late.

Why would people listen to me?

I can’t make a living doing this.

But I’m here to say, it’s possible to live your dream and that…

It’s never too late to start. In fact, the most important thing is to start.

People will listen to you because you are the only unique you on the planet. The world needs your voice! You can make a living off your dream if you are persistent and willing to put some elbow grease into it.

So after I opened the letter and shared it with my wife, she reminded me of a conversation we had about six months ago.

The conversation was about how I felt called to provide for my family through my online business of writing, speaking, and coaching. This promoted me to talk to my dad who has his own business and just finished publishing his own book.

In short, my dad offered to contract me to help him with online marketing and promoting his book (stuff I love to do and am doing with my own business). Not only that, it’s more than double what I was making with the faith-based organization and he’s 100% supportive of my dream.

Amazing!

So just because one door closes it doesn’t mean it’s the end. Like the great Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Our job is to keep taking shots, keep getting out there, keep knocking on the door of our dreams.

Sure doors will shut, but you better believe others will open. Kimanzi is an example to all of us as someone who didn’t give up on his dream and kept knocking.

Was there ever a time when you have thought about or have given up on your dream?

P.S. In case you missed it my friend Jimmy and I launched something to help frustrated self-published authors. Check it out here.

Thanks for sharing!

http://zechariahnewman.com/ Zechariah Newman

At least once a week I give up on building my online business or start to think about just doing it on the side. Then I put my big boy pants on and keep walking:) This journey is messy but worth it. Keep up the great work Dave and Kimanzi.

http://www.davearnoldspeaks.com/ Dave Arnold

Thanks for sharing this Zech. I’ve been there many times. It’s par for course, isn’t it? Keep it up! You’re makings a huge difference!

http://www.davearnoldspeaks.com/ Dave Arnold

Thanks for having me Kimanzi, and for inspiring so many to chase their dreams!

http://kimanziconstable.com/ kimanzi constable

Thanks for the amazing and honest post Dave.

http://www.leadtoimpact.com/ Bernard Haynes

Dave, I know you are going to do well. You are doing what God told Peter in Luke 5, to launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch. I almost quit a couple of months ago, but I regrouped and pushed through the pressure. Dave, thanks for the words of inspiration. You and your family are in my prayers.

http://www.davearnoldspeaks.com/ Dave Arnold

Thanks Bernard! You are very inspiring – it doesn’t surprise me that you wanted to quit because the forces of darkness don’t like what you’re doing. But keep it up, you’re making a difference!

http://www.jonstallings.com/ Jon Stallings

Great thoughts Dave. I remember several years ago I applied for a job with a major airline. It seemed like it would be a perfect job. I went through two interview and my excitement was soon crushed as I got the you didn’t get the job letter in the mail. I was bitter and upset. However 6 months later that Airline when through a major layoff. All of their recent hires were the first to go. Thankfully God had a better plan. We need to learn to see beyond our setbacks and keep pressing forward.

I think the most difficult and best thing you can do is to take that first step in faith. It can be difficult to see the big picture.

God has a plan for all of us. Having a door shut in our face may not be what we want, but it will be for the best.

EDIT: Great post, Dave.

http://www.davearnoldspeaks.com/ Dave Arnold

Thanks Marty. I agree: the best thing we can do is take the first step. Well said. Thanks for your comment.

Gene Hammett

Another great one, Kimanzi. Sometimes we don’t understand God’s plan for us and at times it may seem like he is not listening. But with love, patience and faith God can reveal a greater journey for us. This is a great example of that. Dave thank you for sharing your path.

http://www.davearnoldspeaks.com/ Dave Arnold

Thank you, Gene. And I agree, because we are limited as finite humans, it’s hard for us to understand God’s ways… but, as you said, He reveals a greater journey for us. Well said.

http://www.life-signatures.com Lawrence Namale

This is a million dollar statement worth repeating: “Sometimes a closed-door and bad news is the exact thing we need to help us walk through a better door which leads to good news”. I couldn’t agree more.

http://www.davearnoldspeaks.com/ Dave Arnold

Thanks Lawrence! Yea, it’s a truth I try to live by. It’s not easy, but it’s the best perspective.

http://www.jmlalonde.com/ Joseph Lalonde

That’s a scary letter to receive Dave. I’m glad you’re looking at this in a positive light and I know good will come from the experience.

http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

Great post Dave! I always enjoy reading your story.
I’ve found when I’m tired or hungry is when those doubts and low self-esteem can come in. Luckily, I can make sure I get enough sleep and food:)